A FLITCH winner has given some advice to the competitive couples trying to get their hands on the bacon at this year s trials. An ancient tradition, the Dunmow Flitch Trials award married couples a flitch of bacon if they can satisfy the judge and jury th

A FLITCH winner has given some advice to the competitive couples trying to get their hands on the bacon at this year's trials.

An ancient tradition, the Dunmow Flitch Trials award married couples a flitch of bacon if they can satisfy the judge and jury that in a year and a day they have never wished themselves unmarried.

Winner at the 2004 trials, Goranka Gudelj, 47, said: "The best advice I can give to couples is to enjoy themselves and not to take it too seriously. If they can look at their life with a good sense of humour then they'll do okay."

When she met future husband, David Ensor, in Canada in 1986, Mrs Gudelj had no idea that some 18 years later they would be paraded down Dunmow High Street atop a wooden chair being carried by eight men.

"I decided to take part because I am very community spirited," said Mrs Gudelj who lives with her husband in Mill Field, Barnston. "We were interviewed and then selected, along with four other couples to take part in the trials.

"I think what people don't realise is, you are not competing against the other couples. Each couple had to prove to the jury that what they are saying is the truth."

An unconventional marriage, Mrs Gudelj was convinced that they would not win their trial. She married her husband in Toronto, Canada, in 1989, but they do not wear wedding rings and she refused to take his name.

"You have to be ready for all kinds of comments at the trial and take it in good spirits," said Mrs Gudelj. "I was sure the jury would dislike us because we had both been divorced before and our story is quite unique.

"They constantly questioned why I had kept my name, but for me it was just illogical for me to change it."

Croatian born Mrs Gudelj and her husband, Mr Ensor, 52, have lived in Barnston since 1995 and they have two children.

"The trial was very exciting, but quite scary as well," said Mrs Gudelj. "You have to tell quite intimate details of your life to a lot of people. I think you just have to remember it's just entertainment and a great tradition."

To book tickets for the Dunmow Flitch Trials on July 12 visit www.dunmowflitchtrials.co.uk. Alternatively you can call 01371 875757 or write to DFT Ticket Sales, 35 Delcroft, Ware, Herts, SG12 0BH. For queries ring 01920 462350.